Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, issued the following statement last week after the Federal Court of Appeal overturned the federal government’s approval of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.
“I am disappointed and profoundly concerned by the court’s decision this morning. The Federal Court of Appeal found that Justin Trudeau’s government botched the consultation process.
“This is Justin Trudeau’s personal failure. He is spending $4.5 billion in taxpayer money to buy a pipeline that after today’s ruling, may not ever be built.
“Many communities in our region, both First Nations and non-First Nations, were looking to enjoy the results of negotiated benefit agreements and employment opportunities. And let’s not forget: tax revenue from this project would have funded necessary government services for Canadians across the country, including healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
“The evidence is clear: pipelines are the safest way to bring Canada’s ethical oil to Asian markets. According to the federal Department of Natural Resources, Canadian pipelines had a safety rate of 99.999% between 2009 and 2013, far greater than any other means of transportation. Further, most of the proposed pipeline would be constructed along the existing pipeline and other infrastructure – only 11% would require a new path. Yet, every day in Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo we see numerous tankers roll through our communities on rail lines, and we continue to pour gas into our cars that is imported from controversial regimes, including Saudi Arabia.
“Canada has the cleanest, most ethical, environmentally-friendly energy in the world. Justin Trudeau has promised to build this pipeline to tidewater, and he has the responsibility to immediately address issues raised in today’s ruling.”
